There are a handful of foods I like to have at the ready at all times: cooked rice, homemade salad dressing, compound butters, cookie dough, and pesto -- just to name a few.
This is a thick, spicy and slightly sweet pesto that's amazingly delicious . . . on everything! Which is exactly why it should be "at the … [Read more...]

Who doesn't want a bit of good fortune!? Maybe some will be delivered to you via this delicious Black-Eyed Pea Spinach and Mushroom Gratin. It might be a big stretch for me to call this a form of a New Year’s Hoppin’ John dish, but I'm going to anyway.
In the South, folks believe that eating black-eyed peas on New … [Read more...]

Fried lemons! Did you ever think to fry citrus? This Meyer lemon salad is full of these beautiful slices of fruit and makes for a delicious Caesar salad twist! It makes for a pretty appetizer salad, and can also hold its own as a main course salad.My cousin laughed the other day when I asked her if she'd like any … [Read more...]

I don't take vitamins. (GASP -- I really hope my mom isn't reading this!)
I do however, eat vitamins.
You know how I've been so into my new cookbook from Melissa's Produce, 50 Best Plants on the Planet? Well not only am I now eating cilantro and blackberries by the bucket-full, but Swiss chard has completely … [Read more...]

It was a typical summer day for my boys and me.
For my boys, there was a lot of Lego building, a lot of art, and a brief dip in the pool down the road.
For me, there was a lot of Lego clean-up, a lot of cleaning art detritus, a brief dip in the pool down the road -- and slipping in and out of the kitchen to … [Read more...]

I was recently given this cool, heart-muffin, ceramic baking dish.
I immediately knew I had to use it for one of my Mother's Day brunch recipes! You see, my mom likes this shade of blue, hearts are all about love, and I adore creating small, individual servings that beautifully incorporate a layering of flavors for … [Read more...]

Typically I try not to drone on about technical cooking terms or techniques that I find exciting -- for fear you might not. Today however, I'm going to teach you something you might not know -- and if you don't, I know you'll love the little lesson!
I'll never forget when I learned that Risotto wasn't actually the … [Read more...]

Rosemary Garlic Crusted Pork Chops are everything you want in a hearty, flavor-packed meat course. Super aromatic, crispy on the outside, and succulent on the inside, you'll keep going back for more!Today I will be your "drop-off chef." That is, I will cook a dinner at my place and then drop it off at yours.
Well … [Read more...]

Beautiful and delicious. My favorite combination!
You know how you can't stop eating a bowl of chocolate-covered pretzels? (I can only assume that happens to you, too.)
Well, have you ever been served a salad you simply can't stop eating -- in the same way?! This happens to me with both sweet and savory foods -- … [Read more...]